Vitiligo � Some facts
Vitiligo is a
specific skin disease characterized by loss of skin
coloring or pigmentation.
This loss of
melanin - pigment molecules produced by melanocyte cells
found in various parts of the body, such as the skin,
hair and eyes, can be whole or partial.
There is
evidence to suggest that some people may be genetically
predisposed to having Vitiligo. However it is important
to note that Vitiligo itself is not a hereditary
disease.
Worldwide, about
2% of people have Vitiligo, and roughly one fifth of all
sufferers have other family members with Vitiligo too.
No particular
cause has been found, but the reasons for Vitiligo are
though to include immune system issues and genetic
issues causing melanocyte cells to dysfunction.
In most cases, Vitiligo
initially occurs around the late teens.
Vitiligo is not
commonly seen to start in very old or very young people,
and is equally likely to occur in men and women.
There is no one
clinical or lab test to determine if a person has Vitiligo
or not. Normally, patients report to their doctors with
the onset of depigmentation. In a lot of cases, patients
report a rash or sunburn at the affected site 2-3 months
prior to the loss of color.
As Vitiligo is linked to immune issues, most doctors normally carry out specialized tests to determine any underlying immune issues. These tests include thyroid tests and anti-nuclear antibody tests.
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